All music courses are housed in the Iowa Western Performing Arts Center, the premier arts facility in southwest Iowa. State-of-the-art music equipment and rehearsal rooms are readily available to students, including a patented V-Room technology practice module that allows students to rehearse with microphones and speakers that can be programmed to various acoustics, such as outdoors, on-stage, or in a recording studio. In addition, our students can participate in several different vocal and instrumental ensembles, which have several scheduled performances each month. Many students also attend the International Association for Jazz Educators conference in Toronto.

Q:

What are the admissions requirements for this program?

A:

All Iowa Western students are required to submit an Application for Admission, complete placement testing, and submit official copies of high school and college transcripts. In addition to the college admission requirements, the Music program also requires students to meet some additional admissions criteria. To view or print the eligibility requirements for this program, visit our Additional Requirements page.

Q:

Are Iowa Western credits transferrable?

A:

Yes. In fact, this program is specifically designed to transfer to four-year colleges and universities. Because the majority of Iowa Western students intend to transfer, we offer a variety of resources for our transfer students. To begin your transfer planning early, visit Iowa Western's Transfer Planning web site.

Q:

Do I have to follow the recommended course sequence?

A:

No, you can take most courses in any order you like, and you can enroll part-time or full-time. However, the college recommends that students follow this sequence as closely as possible. The program is designed to allow students to graduate in two years while completing the credits required for most Bachelor degree programs at four-year colleges and universities.

Q:

Do you offer scholarships for Music majors?

A:

Yes. The Iowa Western Foundation awards more than $1.5 million per year in scholarships. Visit our Scholarship page for more information. In addition to Foundation scholarships, the Music Department also offers scholarships for both Music majors and non-majors who participate in ensembles. Vocal and Instrumental Music scholarships are awarded up to $1,800 per year, and Instrumental Music offers two special scholarships that are close to $3,000 per year. Scholarship recipients are obligated to participate in music lessons and ensembles, attend scheduled performances, and work on various projects for the Music Department. For more information about Music scholarships, contact the program chair for either Vocal or Instrumental Music.